Anxiety and Depression

[GoWithTheFlow]

Hi all,

As someone who experiences anxiety and depression I use meditation to help put my mind back into a more balanced perspective. However are there any meditation practices which would benefit me more directly?

Also, my A&D are likely caused by a difficult childhood involving parents who themselves are suffering and so lash out at those around them. This has lead me to avoid meeting with my parents as I find it difficult to cope with the disapproval of my lifestyle. (They are fundamentalist Christians)

Does any one have any insights on this too?

TIA

[Ron-the-Elder]

Hi, Gowiththeflow.

My suggestion would be to visit a medical professional to first rule out any biological explanations for your depression(s) and anxiety (ies).  Either can be due to neurological issues releated to genetics.  This seems like a logical approach given that your parents have exihibited similar difficulties.

Until you have investigated this, I would suggest avoiding any self-cures, especially beverages containing substances that fall into the realm of central nervous system depressants, such as special ethanol, and etc..

Happy New Year can be your mantra until you complete your medical investigation.

Ron

[Tomahawk]

   Hello
I myself have Depression and anxiety,  I meditate that seems to help a lot.
But some times thats hard, What I do and it sounds stupid but works for me is
that I pretend I an In a video game like world of warcraft or something like
that. It takes me out of tbe place for a bit. Or u can be an actor on your favorite TV
show or move just focus on the actor you are playing.
Well I hope that help you I wish you all the best my friend

[Steve_1975]

Hi all,

As someone who experiences anxiety and depression I use meditation to help put my mind back into a more balanced perspective. However are there any meditation practices which would benefit me more directly?

Also, my A&D are likely caused by a difficult childhood involving parents who themselves are suffering and so lash out at those around them. This has lead me to avoid meeting with my parents as I find it difficult to cope with the disapproval of my lifestyle. (They are fundamentalist Christians)

Does any one have any insights on this too?

TIA

I have anxiety and depression too, so any help on this would be appreciated.

[Chaz]

Hi all,

As someone who experiences anxiety and depression I use meditation to help put my mind back into a more balanced perspective. However are there any meditation practices which would benefit me more directly?

Also, my A&D are likely caused by a difficult childhood involving parents who themselves are suffering and so lash out at those around them. This has lead me to avoid meeting with my parents as I find it difficult to cope with the disapproval of my lifestyle. (They are fundamentalist Christians)

Does any one have any insights on this too?

TIA

I have anxiety and depression too, so any help on this would be appreciated.

Having my own issues with dpression and anxiety, the best advice anyone can give you is to seek professional help, like a doctor.

Counseling is also beneficial, in my experience, and if such help from a Buddhist perspective is what you're after, find a Buddhist psychiatric counselor.  They are out there.  It just takes a bit of hunting.

[GoWithTheFlow]

Thanks for the replies. I agree, medical assistance is a first port of call.


To clarify, I have been in regular contact with my GP and have been taking medication to assist with the biological side and have also been referred to counselling services which I have found helpful to an extent. One thing I didn't get from counselling was a feeling of "dealing with" issues and i got the impression that this would be different for each person. (Which is fair enough)

From a Buddhist perspective how best should I approach putting these past issues to rest? I know you should respect your parents but where do you draw the line with "toxic" parents?

[Chaz]

Where you draw the line with "toxic" parents is a tough call.  Hard for anyone else to advise you.  What you percieve as tocicity may be concern from their perspective.  You mess with this at your peril, really.

Maybe you should seek family counseling?  Get everyone in the same room with a neutral third party/counselor and air it all out.

[question everything]

Thanks for the replies. I agree, medical assistance is a first port of call.


To clarify, I have been in regular contact with my GP and have been taking medication to assist with the biological side and have also been referred to counselling services which I have found helpful to an extent. One thing I didn't get from counselling was a feeling of "dealing with" issues and i got the impression that this would be different for each person. (Which is fair enough)

From a Buddhist perspective how best should I approach putting these past issues to rest? I know you should respect your parents but where do you draw the line with "toxic" parents?

Practice loving kindness, don't dwell on the past do not have high expectations for the future, concentrate on making peace in this moment with yourself first(be kind to your mind) and with your parents. Life is short.

Also, I find reading books on Buddhism a great pacifier for my thoughts and a method of concentration, short bursts of reading say 20 minutes or so can have a beneficial effect as we switch from the hindrances. Ajahn Sumedho one of my favorite , you may already have your own Fav.